Deep venous thrombosis (DVT) reduction system

ABSTRACT

A system for reducing the incidents of DVT for use by a person while seated during an extended airline flight and other periods of prolonged immobility. The system comprises an interval timing device having a predetermined repeatable count-down vibrating alarm in combination with a set of instructions for properly performing certain exercises at each interval alarm during the flight or the period of prolonged immobility. The user is prompted to perform the set of exercises at each interval to thereby promote blood circulation in the legs and reduce the incidents of DVT.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to a system for reducing deep venous thrombosis;particularly, to a system including an interval alert timing device incombination with a set of instructions including exercises for promotingblood circulation during extended airline flights and other periods ofprolonged immobility.

Deep venous thrombosis (DVT) is a potentially life-threatening disorderin which blood clots form in the deep veins, particularly in the legs ofa person. As blood returns from the venous system, these blood clots canbreak off and find their way to the persons heart and lungs, thenreferred to as a pulmonary embolus; or to the brain, possibly leading toa stroke. DVT can be fatal if associated with a pulmonary embolus andcan otherwise cause persistent pain and swelling in the legs, lastingweeks. In addition to DVT, superficial blood clots of the legs known asthrombophlebitis can also cause persistent pain and swelling for weeksafter formation of such blood clots.

DVT is typically associated with periods of prolonged immobility i.e.,extended airline travel, extended train travel, extended bus travel, andextended car travel. DVT is also associated with extended periods whenconfined to beds and chairs i.e., during hospital care, nursing homecare, home care and other situations that limit the opportunity formovement and proper blood circulation, particularly in the lower legs.

DVT has long been associated with extended airline flights and otherperiods of prolonged immobility caused primarily by reduced bloodcirculation in the legs. Air travel inherently includes environmentalrisk factors that tend to further contribute to DVT, namely: the seattilt and distance between adjacent seats and between rows are closelyspaced, particularly in the coach section, limiting room for naturalbody and leg movement; the airline seat also causes compression of thepopliteal vein (behind the knee) at the edge of the seat; there islimited opportunity for water consumption; and dehydration naturallyoccurs during flight at high altitude, due to mass flow of dry,pressurized cabin air. Other specific risk factors for DVT areassociated with passengers that have undergone surgery within threemonths preceding travel; especially lower limbs or abdomen surgery, andwith women who are pregnant or that are taking contraceptives, thosewith a personal or family history of DVT, those with former or currentmalignant diseases, those with varicose veins and so forth, all of whommay be more vulnerable to blood clots. The lack of leg exercises, whencompounded with the foregoing medical factors and the environmental riskfactors, explains the high potential for DVT during long extendedflights.

The major airlines and the travel industry have long been aware of DVTrelated to air travel; and have taken steps to educate the flying publicas to the cause and prevention of DVT. This is usually done throughflight magazines, travel publications and pre-flight orientation.

There is also an abundance of information available on the internetregarding DVT related to air travel. In certain situations, there isconflicting information, particularly regarding the recommendedexercises, the time interval and the repetitions for performing suchexercises. There is also some conflicting information regarding theeffectiveness of various devices that are marketed to airlines and topassengers to prevent DVT during air travel.

For those passengers that become aware of DVT and become aware that theyshould perform some exercises, they receive no alert or prompt as to theproper time intervals for performing the exercises. Even a passengerthat may be wearing a wristwatch may be easily distracted, and may losetrack of successive time intervals for performing the exercises. Theymust also have difficulty remembering the exercises that are to beperformed. There is no system or method provided by the airline orotherwise readily available to the flying public to properly educate andmotivate the passenger regarding DVT and to provide efficient DVTreduction exercises, and also to timely alert and prompt the passengerat regular time intervals to perform such proper exercises. Heretofore,no one has conceived of a system providing a set of DVT instructions incombination with a timing device that alerts and prompts the passengerat regular intervals to perform the proper exercises in the propermanner.

Some foot pads and foot-pump devices have been developed and promotedfor use during air travel to reduce the potential for DVT. One suchdevice includes an elastic foot pad that can be pressed by each footperiodically during the flight to promote blood circulation. Anotherdevice includes a foot cushion having an inflated pad that can bepressed by each foot periodically during the flight to promotecirculation. Another device includes a foot cushion having twoair-compartments that are interconnected by a pressure valve, forpressing air from one compartment to the other compartment to promoteblood circulation. Such devices seem to be very limited in the flexingof only a few of the muscles related to DVT. The user receives no timelyprompt at regular intervals to perform movement of the device. Suchdevices may be expensive, somewhat cumbersome to store and use, and maynot be very effective, particularly if not actually used at regularintervals. These floor devices may also become obstacles to egress,tripping other passengers that may be moving to the aisle, particularlyduring an emergency evacuation.

There are numerous medical alert timing devices that are readilyavailable for many general and for some particular purposes. Suchmedical timers typical can be adjusted or programmed to produce an alarmto alert the wearer to take specific medications at specific times ofthe day, or at specific days of the week, etc. Some examples of suchmedical alert timing devices include: U.S. Pat. No. 6,560,165; U.S. Pat.No. 6,574,165; U.S. Pat. No. 6,464,389; U.S. Pat. No. 6,075,755; U.S.Pat. No. 5,861,797; U.S. Pat. No. 5,719,780; U.S. Pat. No. 5,285,430;U.S. Pat. No. 5,157,640; U.S. Pat. No. 4,483,626 and U.S. Pat. No.4,361,406. Some of the forgoing patents disclose timing devices havingan LCD screen that can be programmed to show the name of the intendedmedication corresponding to the specific alert.

However, there are no such medical alert timers dedicated or suggestedfor use to prompt a person at repeatable time interval to initiateexercises to reduce DVT. Heretofore, no one has conceived of a systemproviding a timing device that alerts and prompts a person at regularintervals, in combination with a set of DVT instructions includingexercises to be performed at such intervals to promote bloodcirculation.

In view of the foregoing, it is an object of the present invention toprovide a system including a timing device for prompting a person atpre-determined repeatable time intervals, in combination with a set ofinstructions related to DVT, including certain exercises related toblood circulation to be performed at each such time interval, forreducing the incidents of DVT during extended flights and other periodsof prolonged immobility.

It is another object to provide a DVT reduction system that is verysimple to use, that is very reliable, silent, and inexpensive to produceand distribute to users.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The inventors of the present invention include board certifiedorthopedic and cardiothoracic surgeons who have long cared for patientswith DVT and its devastating implications. They have developed a uniqueinterval timing device and a set of concise effective exercises forpromoting blood flow in the legs. This system is currently marketed asthe as the FlexAlert™ motion prompt system. The foregoing objects arethus accomplished by this improved system for reducing DVT including aninterval timing device in combination with a set of instructionsincluding a set of concise effective exercises to be performed whenprompted at each interval during an extended airline flight.

This present invention defines a system in tangible kit form forreducing the incidents of DVT for use by a person while seated during anextended flight and other periods of prolonged immobility. The kitcomprises a timing device in combination with a set of instructions forperforming certain exercises during the flight.

The timing device is preferably in the form of a wristband having arepeatable count-down vibrating alarm for silently alerting the personat repeatable predetermined time intervals. The timing device has anon-off switch for activating and deactivating the device as desired bythe user. The time interval can be fixed at any desired interval usuallyranging from about 10 minutes to about 60 minutes, but is preferablyfixed to be repeatable every 20 minutes.

The set of instructions includes, at least, directions to turn on thetiming device, and a description of a set of concise exercises and theproper way to perform the exercises at the alert and prompt of therepeated time interval. The instructions preferably further includes anexplanation and directions for the proper use of the timing device, anexplanation of DVT, and additional general recommendations for use bythe person to reduce the incidents of DVT.

The set of exercises include illustrations and instructions for aconcise set of exercise preferably including one for the foot-ankle, onefor the lower leg, and one for the upper leg. For example, toe pointsand ankle flexes, repeated 10 times; toe and ankle rotations, repeatedabout 10 times in each direction, and thigh flexes, raise knee towardchest, repeated 10 times.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

While the novel features of the invention are set forth in the appendedclaims, the invention will be better understood along with otherfeatures thereof from the following detailed description taken inconjunction with the drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a top front perspective view of a preferred embodiment of thepresent invention in the form of a tangible kit

FIG. 2 is a bottom rear perspective view of the embodiment shown in FIG.1;

FIG. 3 is a top front perspective view of an example of a wristbandtiming device of the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a top front perspective view of an example of a pendant timingdevice of the present invention;

FIG. 5 is a plan view of an example of one side of a set of instructionsof the present invention; and

FIG. 6 is a plan view of an example of the other side of a set ofinstructions of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Referring first to FIGS. 1 and 2 there is illustrated an example of thesystem in the form of a kit 10 of the present invention for reducing theincidents of DVT during extended airline flights. The kit is shown as anenclosure 12 containing an interval timing device 14 and a set ofinstructions 16.

The enclosure 12 is shown as a transparent box or envelop so that thecontents can be easily viewed for marketing of the kit and for ease indescribing and discussing the contents within the enclosure. Thecontainer can suitably be in the form of a pouch so that a quantity ofthe kits can be compactly stored. The enclosure can be a variety ofsizes and shapes, and formed of a variety of materials. The enclosurecan be of a transparent or a non-transparent material, and can even havethe set of instructions printed on the exterior of the enclosure formarketing and for easy reference during use of the system. In morecompact forms, the wrist band timing device 14 can be packaged flat(with wrist strap 18 unbuckled, or can be in the form of a pendent 24)and the instructions can be formed or folded into the general shape ofthe elongated timing device for a very thin configuration

Referring also to FIG. 3, the timing device is shown preferably as awristband timing device 14 that is a dedicated count-down interval timerhaving a main body 20 securable directly to the wrist by an adjustablewrist strap 18. The wrist strap can be formed of two pieces that aresecured with an adjustable buckle 22 as shown, or be formed of anexpandable elastic material.

Referring also to FIG. 4, the interval timing device can alternativelybe in the form of a pendant 24 having a main body 26 having an uppereyelet 28 securable around the neck by a suitable lanyard or necklace30. The pendant is worn inside of the clothing and directly against thechest of the user.

As a further universal alternative, the timing device 24 in the form ofthe main body 26 having the upper eyelet 28 for receiving the necklace30 (forming a pendant timing device 24); can optionally further includeslotted openings 32 on each side (or other means for alternativelyreceiving a wrist strap), and including a wrist strap 34 (shown inphantom lines) that is attachable to the body forming the wristbandtiming device 14. The user would have the option of wearing a wristbandor pendant interval timing device.

The strap 18 or 34 can alternatively be utilized to attach the timingdevice 14, 24 to the leg of the user, as an ankle strap, knee strap orthigh strap. The strap could further be incorporated into an article ofclothing such as the band of a stocking as a further alternative forsecuring the timing device to the body of the user.

The primary feature of the timing device 14, 24 is to function as acount-down interval timer that transmits an alarm at repeatable certaintime intervals. There are sources that suggest that a suitablerepeatable time interval for performing certain exercises to promoteblood circulation is about 60 minutes. There are other sources thatrecommend about 30 minute intervals for performing the exercises. Theinventors of the present invention have found that the most effectivetime interval for performing their recommended exercises is about 20minutes. The timing device 14, 24 can be designed to be adjustable for arange of intervals from about 60 minutes to about 10 minutes. However,for simplicity for the user, the timing device is preferably notadjustable, but rather is designed for a fixed, pre-determinedrepeatable time interval. The repeatable time interval can be designedto be at any specific interval in a range from about 60 minutes to about10 minutes, but preferably is designed for a repeatable interval ofabout 20 minutes.

The alarm of the timing device 14, 24 can be in the form of an audio(chime or buzzer) signal, a visual (steady or blinking light emittingdiode “led”) signal, or a tactile vibrating signal on the undersidethereof to alert and prompt the person to perform the exercises. Sincean audio signal may disturb other passengers (or conflict with the audioalerts from other sources and other passengers); and the visual signalmay not be noticed; the alarm is preferably a vibration that effectivelyand reliably alerts the passenger of the time for performing the nextset of exercises. The vibrations can be suitably transmitted for about 3to 10 seconds to alert and prompt the passenger of the respective timeinterval. A preferable vibration pattern has been found to include ashort vibration of about 0.33 seconds, followed by a one second pause,then a vibration of about one second, followed by a one second pause,and this pattern is repeated three times for a total of about 10seconds.

The timing device 14, 24 preferably includes an on-off switch 36 forturning off the alarm when the timing device is not in use, or when thepassenger desires not to be alerted to the repeated time interval. Theon-off switch is shown to be a slide able finger switch, but can be anyvariety of on-off switches to activate and deactivate the device. Oncethe switch is turned off, the alarm is not transmitted; when the timingdevice is turned on, it resets to a new 20 minute interval, and repeatsthe alert of successive intervals until it is turned off. The timingdevice may include an optional led 38 that lights up (i.e., red) toindicate that the device is on, and does not light to indicate that thedevice is off or that the device has insufficient battery power. Thetiming device is preferably provided as a dedicated repeated count downtimer for alerting and prompting the passenger to exercise, and isdesigned for a single flight having a design life of about 20 -40 hours,and is then disposable. A simple timing device having single chipcircuitry, a vibrator, a tiny integral battery, no display and a simpleon-off switch, in a flexible plastic case can be mass produced atminimal expense and would not require any adjustment or setting by theflight crew or by the user.

Such an inexpensive timing device and instruction sheet system could beefficiently and conveniently disposable by the user for the convenienceof the airlines, or otherwise given away for health, safety orpromotional purposes. The used system would not need to be collected,re-inspected, and stored or commingled with new systems.

Referring now to FIGS. 5 and 6, the system includes a set ofinstructions discussing DVT, and particularly illustrating anddescribing the use of the timing device 14, 24 and particularlyillustrating and describing certain exercises to be periodicallyperformed to promote blood circulation. As previously discussed, the setof instructions can be integral with the packaging for the timingdevice, or can be provided on a separate sheet or multiple sheets. Thepurpose of the set of instructions is to fully inform, motivate andinstruct the passenger. The size of the set of instructions is basedupon the amount of instructions provided, the size of the illustrationsand the size of the font of the printed information.

A preferred set of instructions is printed on a sheet about the size andweight of a 5×7 index card having a front side 40 and a back side 42,and is bi-foldable forming 3 columns on each side for convenientpackaging and use. The instructions are preferably discussed in threecategories: READ, WEAR and PERFORM.

The READ category (see FIG. 5) includes a section 44 illustrating andexplaining the interval timer device 14, 24, and a section 46 headlined“A Potential Problem—Deep Venous Thrombosis (DVT)” and includes thediscussion of DVT, flight risks, and Other DVT Risk Factors; assimilarly discussed in the preceding BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION.Section 46 is intended to educate the user to the potential danger ofDVT. This category also includes a section 48 headlined “Our Solution”with sub-headings “The motion prompt wrist band”, “Specifically designedexercises”, “Complies with World Health Organization Recommendations”and “How it works”. Section 48 informs the user of the generalinformation and expectation related to the timing device, and the theoryand purpose of the exercises, and is intended to motivate the passengerto immediately use and benefit from the DVT reduction system.

The WEAR category 50 (see FIG. 6) instructs to user to wear the timerdevice, i.e.: “To use the interval timing device, fasten the wristbandsnugly to your wrist (or other location against the body) and turn theswitch ON. The device will give you a three to ten second (or otherspecific pattern) vibration to alert you to perform the exercises asalso illustrated and described. Turn the switch OFF only when you do notdesire to be alerted of the time intervals.” This WEAR category ofinstructions will vary depending on whether the timing device isintended to be worn as a wrist band, leg band or neck pendant.

The PERFORM category 52, includes a set of illustrations anddescriptions of some recommended exercises to be performed. There arenumerous generally accepted exercises that are generally understood topromote blood circulation, and many combinations of such exercises aregenerally recommended during extended flights. Some of these well knownexercises include the following:

Foot lifts: Place your heels on the floor and bring your toes up as highas you can. Then put both feet back flat on the floor. Then pull yourheels up while keeping the balls of your feet on the floor.

Knee lifts: While keeping your knee bent, raise your leg while tensingyour thigh muscle.

Shoulder rolls: Raise your shoulders and then move them forward,downward and then backward in a smooth circular movement.

Arm bends: Start with your elbows on the armrests and your hands pointedforward so that your lower and upper arms make a 90-degree angle. Taketurns moving your left and then your right hand toward your chest andback, and continue for 30 seconds.

Knee to chest: Bend slightly forward. Fold your hands together aroundyour left knee and pull it toward your chest. Hold this position for 15seconds and let your knee drop slowly. Change legs and repeat.

Forward bends: Place both feet on the floor and pull your abdomen in.Bend slowly forward and “walk” your fingers along your shins to yourankles. Hold for 15 seconds and sit up slowly.

Upper-body stretch: Stretch both arms over your head. With your righthand, grab your left wrist and pull it slowly to the right. Hold for 15seconds and change arms.

Shoulder stretch: With your right hand, grab your left elbow and pullyour outstretched left arm slowly toward your right shoulder. Hold for15 seconds and change arms.

Neck roll: Relax your shoulders, let your head drop to your rightshoulder and roll your head slowly to the front and then to -Your leftside. Repeat five times.

It would be helpful (and optimistic) for a passenger to perform all, ora combination of many of the foregoing exercises; and any suchcombination of exercises is considered to fall within the scope of theset of instructions provided in the present system. However, mostpassengers will not take the time or effort to perform numerousexercises, numerous repetitions. The present system has focused on a setof exercises considered to be the fewest, but most effective exercises,and the most effective number of repetitions, at the most effectiveinterval to promote sufficient blood flow for most passengers.

In the preferred system, it has been determined that the following threeexercises, performed about ten times each (with each foot or leg) at 20minute intervals will promote sufficient blood flow to reduce DVT duringextended flights.

Step 1: Toe and Ankle Raises 54 (toe points and ankle flexes). Upwardmotion ankles and toes, downward motion ankles and toes, and pump anklesand toes up and down. (10 times, each foot).

Step 2: Toe and Ankle Rotations 56. Clockwise and counter-clockwise (10times, each foot, each direction).

Step 3: Thighs Raises 58. Raise one knee and contract hamstrings (rearthigh muscles), flex the knee; then contract the quadriceps (front thighmuscles), and extend the knee. (10 times each side)

All of the foregoing exercises can be easily completed in about 30seconds at each regular time interval. The 30 seconds does not burden orinterfere with other activities that the passenger may otherwise beengaged (reading, chatting, etc.) Perhaps more importantly, it has beenfound that, when timely alerted, passengers are willing to actuallyperform such minimal three exercises, for this minimal number ofrepetitions, at repeated 20 minutes intervals, with very favorableresults.

The set of instructions includes the foregoing exercises, and arepreferably introduced with some additional sound advice as follows:

-   -   “Once the FlexAlert motion prompt is turned on, you will feel a        gentle vibration sequence every twenty minutes. This gentle        vibration is your prompt to initiate performance of the        following set of toe, ankle and thigh exercises, every twenty        minutes. Please perform each exercise set ten times.”        “More important tips:    -   Drink plenty of fluids (non-alcoholic).    -   Exercises are easy to do while seated.    -   You should avoid setting with your legs crossed for prolonged        periods of time.    -   Stand and walk at least once every 90-180 minutes.    -   REMEMBER, 10 times each, every 20 minutes, takes only 30        seconds.”

The system can alternatively be provided for extended flights to includethe distribution of the timing devices 14, 24 to passengers, incombination with the set of instructions 16 being placed in the cabini.e., on the backs of the seats or tray tables, or placed in thein-flight magazine readily viewable by each passenger.

The present invention provides a system including a timing device foralerting and prompting a person at repeatable predetermined timeintervals, in combination with a set of instructions related to DVT,including certain exercises related to blood circulation to be performedat each such time interval, for reducing the incidents of DVT duringextended flights and other periods of prolonged immobility. The systemis very simple to use, very reliable and inexpensive to produce anddistribute to users.

While specific embodiments and examples of the present invention havebeen illustrated and described herein, it is realized that modificationsand changes will occur to those skilled in the art. It is therefore tobe understood that the appended claims are intended to cover all suchmodifications and changes as fall within the spirit and scope of theinvention.

1. A system for reducing the incidents of deep venous thrombosis for a person while seated during long flights and other periods of prolonged immobility, comprising: a timing device having an alarm for alerting the person of a repeatable certain time interval; and a set of instructions describing certain exercises to reduce the incidents of deep venous thrombosis, for performance by the person at the repeatable certain time interval.
 2. The system as defined in claim 1, wherein said timing device is in the form of a wristband having an alarm for alerting the person at said repeatable certain time interval.
 3. The system as defined in claim 1, wherein said timing device is in the form of a leg band having a repeatable count-down alarm for alerting the person at said repeatable certain time interval.
 4. The system as defined in claim 1, wherein said timing device is in the form of a pendant having an alarm for alerting the person at said repeatable certain time interval.
 5. The system as defined in claim 1, wherein the repeatable certain time interval of said timing device is about 60 minutes.
 6. The system as defined in claim 1, wherein the repeatable certain time interval of said timing device is about 30 minutes.
 7. The system as defined in claim 1, wherein the repeatable certain time interval of said timing device is about 20 minutes.
 8. The system as defined in claim 1, wherein the alarm of said timing device is in the form of a tactile vibration for silently alerting the person of the repeatable certain time interval.
 9. The system as defined in claim 1, wherein said timing device further includes an on-off switch for activating and deactivating the alarm of the timing device.
 10. The system as defined in claim 1, wherein said set of instructions further include an explanation and directions for the proper use of said timing device.
 11. The system as defined in claim 1, wherein said set of instructions further include an explanation of deep venous thrombosis and additional preventive recommendations for use by the person to further reduce the incidents of deep venous thrombosis.
 12. The system as defined in claim 1, wherein said set of instructions include illustrations and explanations describing the certain exercises and the recommended number of repetitions of each of such exercises.
 13. The system as defined in claim 1, wherein said set of instructions include illustrations and explanations describing the certain exercises and the recommended number of repetitions of each of such exercises, including: toe points and ankle flexes, about 10 times each foot; toe and ankle rotations, about 10 times in each direction, each foot; and thigh flexes, raise knee toward chest, about 10 times, each leg.
 14. A kit for reducing the incidents of deep venous thrombosis for a person while seated during long flights and other periods of prolonged immobility, comprising: a timing device in the form of a wristband having a repeatable count-down vibrating alarm for silently prompting the person at repeatable certain time intervals; and having an on-off switch for activating and deactivating said timing device; and a set of instructions include an explanation and directions for the proper use of said timing device, an explanation of deep venous thrombosis, additional recommendations for use by the person to reduce the incidents of deep venous thrombosis, and describing certain exercises to reduce the incidents of deep venous thrombosis, for performance by the person at the repeatable certain time interval.
 15. The kit as defined in claim 14, wherein the repeatable certain time interval of said timing device is about 60 minutes.
 16. The kit as defined in claim 14, wherein the repeatable certain time interval of said timing device is about 30 minutes.
 17. The kit as defined in claim 14, wherein the repeatable certain time interval of said timing device is about 20 minutes.
 18. The kit as defined in claim 14, wherein said set of instructions include illustrations and explanations describing the certain exercises and the recommended number of repetitions of each of such exercises, further including: toe points and ankle flexes, repeated about 10 times, each foot; toe and ankle rotations, repeated about 10 times in each direction, each foot; and thigh flexes, raise knee toward chest, repeated about 10 times, each leg.
 19. The kit as defined in claim 17, wherein said set of instructions include illustrations and explanations describing the certain exercises and the recommended number of repetitions of each of such exercises, further including: toe points and ankle flexes, repeated about 10 times, each foot; toe and ankle rotations, repeated about 10 times in each direction, each foot; and thigh flexes, raise knee toward chest, repeated about 10 times, each leg. 